Bihar Board Class 12 English Book Solutions

Chapter 1: Indian Civilization and Culture

Bihar Board Class 12 English Book Objective Type Questions and Answer

Question 1.

Name the author of the following prose piece,’ ‘Indian Civilization and Culture”. [Sample Paper 2009 (A)]

(a) Manohar Malgaonker (b) Mahatma Gandhi

(c) Martin Luther King Jr.

Answer:

(b) Mahatma Gandhi

Question 2.

Mahatma Gandhi in his essay deals in [Sample Paper 2009 (A)] (a) customs and traditions (b) Poverty and unemployment

(c) civilization and Culture

Ans. (c)

Question 3.

Write ‘True’ or ‘False’

(i) The tendency of Indian civilization is to elevate the moral being. [Sample Paper 2009 (A) ] Ans. True

(ii) Our distinguishing characteristic of modem civilization is not an indefinite multiple of human wants. [Sample Paper 2009 (A) ]

Ans. False

(iii) Our civilization, our culture, our swaraj depend upon multiplying our wants. [Sample Paper 2009 (A)]

Ans. False

(iv) The tendency of Indian civilizations is to elevate the moral being. [Sample Paper 2009 (A) ] Ans. False

(v) Dr. Radhakrishan did not brought to the presidency mental equipment and a degree of erudition. [Sample Paper 2009 (A) |

Ans. False

(vi) Nanukaka stood in the doorway of a second class carriage. [Sample Paper 2009 (A) ] Ans. True

(vii) America has given the Negro people a bad chaque. [Sample Paper 2009 (A) ]

Ans. True

(viii) We must allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. [Sample Paper 2009 (A)]

Ans. False

Question 1.

Who is the writer of ‘Indian Civilization and Culture’? [Sample Paper 2009 (A) |

Answer:

Mahatma Gandhi is the writer of the essay 'Indian Civilization and Culture'.

Question 2.

What does Mahatma Gandhi discuss in his essay? [Sample Paper 2009 (A) ]

Answer:

In his essay, Mahatma Gandhi discusses the core principles of Indian civilization and culture, contrasting them with Western civilization and highlighting the importance of moral and spiritual development over material progress.

Question 3.

Why the large cities were a share and a useless encumbrance and people not happy? [Sample Paper 2009 (A)]

Answer:

Gandhiji believed large cities were a snare and a useless burden because they became breeding grounds for vices like theft, robbery, and prostitution, leading to the exploitation of the poor by the rich and resulting in widespread unhappiness.

Question. Complete the following sentences on the basis of your reading

(a) Aman is not necessarily became he is rich of unhappy because [Sample Paper 2009 (A)]

(b) Large cities were a share and a useless encumbrance and that people would

(c) In no part of the world and under no civilization [Sample Paper 2009 (A)]

(d) A certain degree of physical harmony and comfort is necessary but

(e) Our civilization, our culture, our swaraj [Sample Paper 2009 (A)]

(f) Aman must arrange his physical and cultural circumstances so [Sample Paper 2009 (A) ]

(g) ‘Indian civilization and culture’ has been written by [Sample Paper 2009 (A) |

Answer:

(a) happy, he is poor
(b) not be happy in them
(c) have all men attained perfection
(d) above a certain level it becomes a hindrance instead of help
(e) depend not upon multiplying our wants
(f) that they do not hinder him
(g) Mahatma Gandhi.

Bihar Board Class 12 English Textual Questions and Answer

A. Answer the following questions orally

Question 1.

What do you know about Gandhiji?

Answer:

Mahatma Gandhi, fondly called 'Bapu', was the father of the Indian nation. He was a great soul ('Mahatma') who led India's freedom struggle using the powerful weapons of truth (Satyagraha) and non-violence (Ahimsa). His life was a message of simplicity, self-reliance, and peace, inspiring movements for civil rights and freedom across the world.

Question 2.

What did Gandhi do for the farmers in Bihar?

Answer:

In 1917, Gandhiji visited Champaran in Bihar to address the severe exploitation of indigo farmers by British landlords. He conducted a detailed inquiry, organized the peasants, and launched a peaceful Satyagraha. This movement successfully challenged the unjust system, secured justice for the farmers, and freed them from fear and oppression.

Question 3.

What do you understand by civilization and culture?

Answer:

Civilization refers to the advanced stage of social development and organization achieved by a society, including its laws, governance, and technology. Culture is the way of life of that society, encompassing its traditions, beliefs, values, arts, and customs. Together, they define the identity and progress of a community.

Question 4.

What do you holy scriptures tell us about universal human values?

Answer:

Our holy scriptures, like the Vedas, Upanishads, and Gita, teach universal human values such as truth (Satya), non-violence (Ahimsa), duty (Dharma), compassion (Dayā), and selfless service. They guide us that true and lasting happiness comes from inner peace, spiritual growth, and ethical living, not from material possessions.

B. 1.1. Complete the following sentences on the basis of what you have studied

(a) India’s glory is that it
(b) The charge aganist India is that
(c) We dare not change what
(d) Our ancestors set a limit to our indulagences because
(e) Our forefathers did not invent machinery because

Answer:

(a) is immovable,
(b) her people are uncivilized, ignorant and stolid,
(c) we have tested and found hue on the anvil of experience,
(d) more we indulge in our passions, the more lunbridled they become,
(e) if we invented machinery, we would become slaves and lose our moral fibre.

B. 1.2. Answer the following questions briefly

Question 1.

How is Indian civilization different from European civilization?

Answer:

Indian civilization is rooted in ancient wisdom and spiritual values that have remained steady over millennia. European civilization, while inspired by ancient Greece and Rome, primarily focuses on material progress and external development. Indian civilization emphasizes inner moral growth and restraint, whereas European civilization often promotes the multiplication of wants and physical comforts.

Question 2.

Why does Gandhiji say that ‘mind is a restless bird’? What makes the mind restless?

Answer:

Gandhiji uses the metaphor of a 'restless bird' to describe the human mind because it is never content. The more desires it fulfills, the more new desires it creates. This endless craving for more material possessions, pleasures, and power is what makes the mind perpetually restless and dissatisfied.

Question 3.

Why did out ancestors dissuade us from luxuries and pleasures? Did they do the right thing?

Answer:

Our ancestors discouraged luxuries and pleasures because they understood that these do not lead to true happiness. They observed that excessive indulgence only fuels more desire and discontent. They were right in promoting a life of simplicity and restraint, as it fosters inner peace, contentment, and moral strength, which are the foundations of real happiness.

Question 4.

Why according to Gandhi, have we stuck with the same kind of plough as existed thousands of years ago? Should we do the same thing even today?

Answer:

According to Gandhi, we stuck to the traditional plough to avoid the trap of cut-throat competition and mechanical living that drains moral fiber. It symbolized contentment with a simple life close to nature. However, in today's context of a huge population and global challenges, blind adherence to ancient tools is not practical. We must seek a balanced path that uses technology wisely without sacrificing our core ethical values.

Question 5.

How did our ancestors view large cities? Why were they satisfied

Answer:

Our ancestors viewed large cities as traps ('snares') that promote moral decay, crime, and inequality. They foresaw that cities could become centers for exploitation, vice, and unhealthy living. They were satisfied with small, self-sufficient village communities where people lived cooperatively, close to nature, and enjoyed greater social harmony and peace.

Question 6.

How did our ancestors enjoy true Home Rule’?

Answer:

Our ancestors enjoyed true 'Home Rule' or self-rule by living in independent, self-reliant village communities. They managed their own affairs, followed their traditional occupations like farming and handicrafts, and governed themselves through local systems like the Panchayat. This autonomy in their daily life and governance was the essence of real freedom for them.

B. 2. Answer the following questions briefly

Question 1.

What, according to file author, is modem civilization?

Answer:

According to Gandhiji, modern civilization is primarily a pursuit of limitless material progress and physical comforts. It is characterized by industrialization, rampant consumerism, and a belief that happiness can be achieved by continuously multiplying and satisfying human wants, often at the cost of ethical and spiritual values.

Question 2.

What did the author convey to file countrymen about dealing with modem civilization?

Answer:

Gandhiji urged his countrymen to be wary of modern civilization. He advised them to firmly hold on to the enduring spiritual and moral values of Indian civilization while consciously rejecting the destructive materialism and moral emptiness of the West. He saw it as a threat to India's soul.

Question 3.

What Is the disinguishing characteristic of modem civilization?

Answer:

The distinguishing characteristic of modern civilization, as identified by Gandhiji, is the "indefinite multiplicity of human wants." It is a system that constantly invents new desires and convinces people that fulfilling these endless wants is the key to progress and happiness.

Question 4.

The author perceived danger from modem civilization. How?

Answer:

Gandhiji perceived danger because he saw modern civilization as seductive yet hollow. Its inventions and promises of easy comfort were so tempting that they could make people trade their lasting spiritual well-being and freedom for temporary, superficial pleasure, ultimately leading to moral and social decay.

Question 5.

What does author prefer to materialism?

Answer:

The author, Mahatma Gandhi, unequivocally prefers spiritualism to materialism. He believed that the purpose of life is to elevate one's moral and spiritual being, not to accumulate material wealth, which often leads to bondage and dissatisfaction.

Question 6.

What does our civilization depend on ?

Answer:

Our Indian civilization, according to Gandhi, depends not on endlessly multiplying our demands and wants, but on consciously restricting and mastering them. Its strength lies in self-discipline, simplicity, and the pursuit of higher spiritual goals.

Question 7.

What is civilization in the real sense of the term?

Answer:

In the real and true sense, civilization means the deliberate and voluntary restriction of wants and passions. It is the ability of a society to promote moral and ethical conduct, self-restraint, and the welfare of all, rather than merely advancing in technology and material comforts.

C. |. Bihar Board Class 12 English Book Long Answer Questions

Question 1.

‘| BELIEVE that the civilization India has evolved is not to be beaten in the world.’ What does Gandhi mean by this statement? Do you subscribe to his views?

Answer:

With this statement, Gandhiji expresses his unwavering faith in the superiority and resilience of Indian civilization. He argues that while great civilizations like Egypt, Greece, and Rome have risen and fallen, Indian civilization has endured for millennia because it is built on the solid, timeless foundation of spiritual wisdom and ethical living, not on fleeting material power. He sees the world's criticism of India as "unchanging" not as a weakness, but as a strength—a sign of stability and confidence in a proven path.

I largely subscribe to Gandhiji's view. The core philosophy of India—emphasizing unity in diversity, peace, tolerance, and the inner journey—has indeed shown remarkable durability. However, I also believe that for a civilization to remain truly "unbeaten," it must be dynamic. The greatness of Indian civilization lies in its ability to assimilate new ideas while holding onto its essential values. In today's interconnected world, the challenge and opportunity are to blend this ancient wisdom with modern scientific temper for sustainable and equitable progress.

Question 2.

‘We notice that the mind is a restless bird, the more it gets the more it wants, and still remains lesson, unsatisfied.’ Pick out other metaphors used in the How do these metaphors help Gandhiji in persuading the readers?

Answer:

Gandhiji masterfully uses several metaphors to make his complex ideas relatable and persuasive:

1. "Tested on the anvil of experience": This compares Indian civilization to metal forged and proven strong by a blacksmith's hammer. It visually argues that our traditions are not blind beliefs but time-tested truths.
2. "Sheet anchor of our hope": Here, Indian civilization is likened to a ship's heaviest anchor that keeps it steady in a storm. This metaphor powerfully conveys that our culture is our ultimate source of stability and safety in turbulent times.
3. "Large cities were a snare": A snare is a trap for animals. This metaphor instantly paints big cities as dangerous places that trap innocent people in webs of vice and exploitation, strongly supporting his advocacy for village life.

These metaphors are persuasive because they translate abstract philosophical concepts into concrete, everyday images. They appeal directly to the reader's imagination and common sense, making Gandhiji's arguments about contentment, experience, and danger feel intuitive and undeniable.

Question 3.

‘A man is not necessarily happy because he is rich, or unhappy because he is poor. The rich are often seen to be unhappy, the poor to be happy.’ What, according to Gandhi, holds key to real happiness? How does Gandhi define ‘happiness’?

Answer:

For Gandhiji, the key to real happiness lies not in external wealth but in internal state of mind and ethical living. He defines happiness as a condition of peace, contentment, and moral satisfaction that arises from leading a simple, purposeful, and duty-bound life.

He argues that luxuries and excessive comforts often become sources of anxiety, ill-health, and moral weakness. True happiness, therefore, comes from self-restraint, mastering one's desires, and finding joy in one's work and relationships. It is found in spiritual pursuits, serving others, and living in harmony with nature and community. In essence, Gandhi's happiness is an active, chosen state of being rooted in freedom from endless wanting, not a passive result of possessing material things.

Question 4.

Why did our ancestors feel satisfied with small villages? Did they do the right thing? Will it be wise today to follow our ancestors in this connec

Answer:

Our ancestors were satisfied with small villages because these communities fostered self-reliance, close social bonds, and a harmonious life with nature. Village life minimized exploitation, reduced moral vices prevalent in large cities, and allowed for local self-governance (true "Home Rule"). They prioritized the well-being of the community and the individual's moral health over dense urbanization.

They did the right thing for their time, creating a sustainable and socially cohesive model of living. However, blindly replicating that model today is not entirely wise or feasible. Our population size, economic structure, and global interconnectedness are vastly different. The wise approach today is not to abandon cities but to incorporate the core values of our ancestors into modern life. We should strive to build communities—whether in cities or villages—that are sustainable, equitable, and human-centered, focusing on green living, strong local governance, and moral education, thus creating a modern society with an ancient soul.

Indian Civilization and Culture

Question 5.

Discuss the negative features of western civilization.

Answer:

The primary drawback of Western civilization is its overwhelming focus on material progress at the expense of spiritual and moral development. It has relentlessly pursued physical comforts and scientific inventions, which, while dazzling, have largely ignored the human soul. This endless quest for more has fueled greed and created an insatiable demand for resources. People in developed nations have become overly dependent on machines. This materialistic path has led to severe global crises like pollution, climate change, and environmental degradation. The future painted by Western scientists appears bleak due to these self-created problems, showing that an unchecked pursuit of physical pleasures ultimately leads to chaos.

Question 6.

What is the essential difference between the Indian civilization and the western civilization? How is our civilization supperior to the western civilization?

Answer:

The core difference is not just in scale but in kind. Western civilization is centered on the body and material wealth, seeking endless physical pleasure and comfort. In contrast, Indian civilization focuses on the soul and spirit, seeking eternal bliss and truth through self-restraint and spiritual discovery. Indian philosophy teaches that true happiness comes from mastering desires, not endlessly fulfilling them. Therefore, Indian civilization is superior because material comforts, beyond a basic need, become a burden and source of dissatisfaction. By advocating voluntary limitation and inner growth, it offers a path to lasting peace, unlike the never-ending and ultimately hollow race for more possessions.

Question 7.

‘A certain degree of physical harmony and comfort is necessary but above a certain level it becomes a hindrance instead of help.’ Elaborate.

Answer:

The human being is a combination of body and soul. A healthy body with basic comforts is essential as a vehicle for the soul to act in the world—to work, serve, and pursue higher goals. Discomfort can distract from meaningful pursuits. However, when the pursuit of comfort turns into indulgence and luxury, it becomes a trap. Excessive attachment to physical pleasures weakens moral strength, clouds judgment, and makes one a slave to desires. Instead of freeing us to achieve greatness, it becomes a hindrance, consuming energy that could be used for intellectual or spiritual growth. Thus, while basic harmony is helpful, crossing that limit transforms comfort into an obstacle.

C. 2. Group Discussion

Discuss the following in groups or pairs;

Question 1.

‘Truth and non-violence have been the biggest weapons of mankind.

Answer:

History shows that conventional weapons can destroy bodies and cities but cannot conquer hearts or establish lasting change. In contrast, figures like Buddha, Christ, and Mahatma Gandhi wielded the power of truth (Satyagraha) and non-violence (Ahimsa). Without armies or arms, they led transformative movements that toppled empires and won over millions. Gandhi’s struggle against the British Empire is a prime example—armed only with moral courage, he mobilized masses and achieved what violence could not. These weapons are the biggest because they appeal to the conscience, create lasting moral authority, and build rather than destroy, leaving a legacy of peace and justice.

Question 2.

High thinking cannot go alongside high living.

Answer:

Generally, a life focused on luxury and high living leaves little room for deep, philosophical thought. High thinking requires simplicity, introspection, and freedom from material distractions. Most great thinkers, saints, and philosophers—from Indian rishis to Tolstoy—chose simple lives. Luxury often breeds attachment, complacency, and a focus on external pleasures, which are antithetical to the inward journey of high thinking. While exceptions exist, the relentless pursuit of material comforts usually consumes the time and mental space needed for profound contemplation and spiritual growth. Therefore, simplicity is the natural companion of elevated thought.

C. 3. Composition

Write a paragraph in about 100 words on each of the following :

(a) The real dignity of man lies not in what he has but in what he is.

A person’s true worth is measured by their character, virtues, and wisdom, not by their wealth or possessions. Money can be acquired through luck, inheritance, or even dishonest means, which does not command genuine respect. History and our culture have always revered individuals of integrity, compassion, and knowledge—saints, teachers, and thinkers—even if they owned little. A rich person without good character is ultimately hollow, while a person of strong principles earns lasting dignity and influence in society. Thus, "what he is"—his moral fiber—defines a man far more than "what he has."

(b) The crown and glory of life is character.

Character is the inner light that defines a person's true greatness. While wealth and status provide a temporary shine, like sunlight on glass, they fade in times of crisis. Character, built on honesty, courage, and resilience, is what sustains a person through adversity and earns them enduring respect. It is not just an individual's asset; the collective character of its people determines a nation's strength and legacy. Ultimately, a life adorned with strong character is a life truly lived, leaving a glow that outlasts all material achievements.

D. WORD STUDY

D.1. Dictionary use

Ex. 1. Correct the spellings of the following words

Answer:

disuaded — dissuaded
ocupation — occupation
votries — votaries
imorality — immorality
unadulterated — unadulterated
matarialism — materialism
beleif — belief
madning — maddening
engrev — engrave
harmoney — harmony

Ex. 2. Lookup a dictionary and write two meanings of the following words— the one in which it is used in the lesson and the other which is more common.

Answer:

reason:
(i) The capacity for logical thought (as used in the lesson).
(ii) A cause or justification for an action.

thinking:
(i) A philosophy or set of ideas (as in "our thinking").
(ii) The process of using one's mind to consider something.

wants:
(i) Lack or deficiency of something.
(ii) Desires or wishes.

ruin:
(i) Physical or moral destruction.
(ii) The remains of a destroyed building.

copy:
(i) To imitate or follow (as in copying the West).
(ii) A single specimen of a book or document.

D. 2. Word-formation

Now derive abstract nouns from the verbs given below and use them (abstract nouns) in sentences of your own.

convert — conversion
perform — performance
defin — definition
please — pleasure
educate — education
observe — observation

Sentences —
conversion: The conversion of raw data into useful information is a key skill.
performance: The athlete's performance in the final match was exceptional.
definition: The dictionary provides a clear definition of the word 'civilization'.
pleasure: It gives me great pleasure to announce the winners.
education: Education is the most powerful tool for social change.
observation: Her keen observation helped solve the mystery.

D. 3. Word-meaning

Ex. 1. Find from the lesson words the meanings of which have been given in column A. The last part of each word is given in column B.

Answer:
Someone related who lived long time ago — ancestor
of one's homeland — indigenous
being a burden to — hindrance
to spread ideas, beliefs, etc. — propagate
slow-witted — stolid
advise against — dissuade
exchange goods, property, etc. — barter

Ex. 2. Fill in the blanks with suitable words (gerunds) from the given list living thinking writing bartering maddening

(i) Pragya’s writing is not very legible.
(ii) The police could not control the maddening crowd.
(iii) We are in danger of bartering away the permanent good for a momentary pleasure.
(iv) Gandhi always believed in simple living.
(v) Amandeep’s thinking was quite logical.

D. 4. Phrases

Ex. 1. Read the lesson carefully and find out the sentences in which the following phrases have been used. Then use these phrases in sentences of your own:

Answer:
satisfy with: One must learn to be satisfied with what one has while striving for better.
be suited to: This teaching method is well suited to young children.
believe in: I strongly believe in the power of hard work.
cling to: We should not cling to superstitions in the age of science.
in vain: The search party looked for the lost hiker in vain.

E. Grammar

Ex. 1. Complete the sentences given below by using the appropriate forms of the verbs given in brackets :

(a) Indian civilization has kept it alive till now. (keep)
(b) I see here ancient India still living. (live)
(c) We have borrowed many things from western literature. (borrow)
(d) We have been copying the west since long. (copy)
(e) Arya did so, speak. (speak)
(f) Nehru had written so many letters to his daughter from jail. (write)

Ex. 2. Form ten sentences of your own choice on this pattern (the more... the more).

Answer:
1. The higher we climb, the colder it gets.
2. The more you practice, the more confident you become.
3. The sooner we start, the earlier we will finish.
4. The less you worry, the happier you feel.
5. The more he read, the wiser he grew.
6. The faster you drive, the greater the risk.
7. The more she explained, the more confused I became.
8. The brighter the student, the quicker they learn.
9. The longer the delay, the worse the problem gets.
10. The more you give, the more you receive.

F. Activity

Students may do it themselves.